Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy ranch sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for anyone who loves a little indulgence in their pasta.
With a savory combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and the signature tang of ranch seasoning, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make and satisfy your hunger in no time.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is your new best friend. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
Tasty and Flavorful
Combining creamy sauce, savory bacon, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Add a hint of ranch dressing, and everyone will crave a rich, satisfying meal.
Kid-Friendly
Kids (and picky eaters) will love the familiar flavors in this dish. It’s simple, tasty, and easy to adjust to personal preferences, like adding extra cheese or making it a little spicier.
Filling and Hearty
Chicken and bacon add protein, while the pasta gives you that satisfying carb kick. You’ll feel full for hours without needing to snack. It’s a great meal to keep you energized.
Ingredients for a Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
If you want to make a mouth-watering, creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta, here’s a simple list of all the ingredients you’ll need. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. They cook quickly and absorb all the sauce flavors, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch and a smoky flavor to your pasta. You can’t go wrong with bacon when making this dish.
- Pasta: Any pasta will do, but penne or rotini are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well. Cook your pasta to al dente for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil is used to cook the chicken and bacon. It helps prevent sticking and adds a touch of healthy fat for a rich taste.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic depth to the dish. It’s a key ingredient in enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish its signature creamy, velvety texture. It adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth helps thin out the sauce and gives it an extra layer of savory flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, making it stretchy and cheesy. It adds a mild, creamy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, sharp flavor that balances the richness of the mozzarella. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are essential for combining all the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust as needed.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat while the pasta is cooking. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
To make creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch and smoky flavor to the pasta.
- Pasta: Any pasta will do, but penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing: This gives the dish its signature flavor. For convenience, you can use homemade ranch dressing or store-bought.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce and makes it creamy.
- Garlic, Parmesan, and Seasonings: A little garlic and parmesan go a long way in boosting the flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste.
The steps are simple: cook the pasta, cook the chicken and bacon, then make a creamy sauce. Toss it all together and have a delicious, one-pot meal ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Serve as a main course: It’s filling enough to be a standalone meal. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Add a vegetable: You can mix in some spinach, peas, or broccoli to balance out the richness of the pasta and add some extra nutrients.
Top with extra bacon: For those who love bacon, sprinkle some extra crispy bacon bits on top for added crunch and flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs: A little chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to store it properly:
In the fridge: Allow the pasta to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the pasta. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or stove, adding a little extra cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Can I use any pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Choose whatever works best for your taste and what you have on hand.
Can I make creamy chicken bacon ranch pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can make it healthier using whole wheat pasta, light ranch dressing, or adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli. These simple swaps can make the dish lighter without losing flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and bacon. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini to make it a hearty meal.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet/Frying Pan
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook a bit once combined with the sauce. Overcooking can produce mushy pasta that won’t hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can thin it out with a bit of extra chicken broth or cream if it’s too thick.
